Kung Fu Mantis Vs Jumping Spider

When danger appears in the form of a jumping spider, Life Story's orchid mantis juvenile displays impressive defensive moves that any martial arts master would be proud of.The first instar orchid mantis sways with mesmerising movements that distract its opponent, while showing off powerful forelimbs in a display intended to convince its arachnid attacker that it's a sizeable adversary.

Kung fu characteristics A mantis embodies many of the characteristics that kung fu experts attempt to master: lightning-fast reactions, unique attack and defence techniques, stealth, strength, a deadly strike and a remarkable success rate.For mantids, effective defence is vital to improve their chances of survival – dangers are commonplace in a young mantid's world. Within minutes of hatching, young mantids know how to employ a trick that will fool their many opponents.Faced with a predator such as a jumping spider, the juvenile orchid mantids stretch out their long forelimbs to appear larger and more threatening, in what's known as a deimatic reaction.Exactly how mantid martial movements play out differs from one species to another. For example, the African mantis twists its lower body, and turns its head and thorax towards the predator, with forelimbs flexed and wings raised to provide additional height. 

Source: BBC